Donald Trump has threatened to levy import tariffs of 20% on European cars. Cars made in America and imported to the European Union countries are currently subject to import tariffs of 10 per cent, yet goods traded from Europe to the US only face a 2.5 per cent levy. While the European Commission has previously voiced a desire to “remove these duties and other barriers to trade”, Trump's frustration at import boundaries appears to have provoked his latest warnings. European automotive stocks fell an average of 1% following Trump’s tweet, with BMW shares down 2 per cent, Mercedes down 1.4 per cent, and Volkswagen down 1.1 per cent, according to Thomson Reuters data. The remarks from the president follow previous threats reported in the German media that the Trump was threatening to impose a 25 per cent import tariff on European luxury cars. Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes, issued a profit warning earlier this week following concerns over Trump’s trade disputes with China, which are set to see US import tariffs of 25 per cent placed on certain Chinese goods. This led to to fears China would impose retaliatory tactics, making US-made examples of the Mercedes GLE-Class, GLS-Class and C-Class more expensive to export to China. Trump’s latest utterance is also thought to be related to fresh trade tariffs imposed by the EU on US goods like motorcycles, jeans and whiskey, themselves a reaction to US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium. What do you think the future holds for European car imports to the US?
For most people, the idea of a Chelsea tractor having a green makeover may seem a bit of a waste of time, Volkswagen however has pushed ahead and added the Touareg to its BlueMotion range. Despite these improvements in fuel economy and the reduction in Co2 emissions, the performance figures for the Touareg BlueMotion haven't suffered to any major degree. 0 - 62 mph is achieved in 8.5 seconds and if you keep your foot firmly planted the luxury 4 x 4 will top out at a respectable 126 mph. As with all models in the Touareg range standard specification is good and the BlueMotion is no exception. Both the BlueMotion and BlueMotion SE have the 4XMOTION all-wheel-drive system that is linked to an Electronic Differential Lock, an Electronic Stabilisation Programme,and hill start with hill descent assist. Six airbags, cruise control, a leather multifunction steering wheel and newly designed 17-inch 'Makalu' alloy wheels (18-inch 'Valley' alloys on the SE) are also fitted as standard. In addition to the 18-inch alloys the BlueMotion SE also benefits from 2 Zone electronic climate control, touch screen satellite navigation, heated front seats, 'Cricket' leather upholstery and walnut wood interior trim. The BlueMotion Touareg will never save the planet on its own, but it is a small step in the right direction, whether it's enough to change perceptions of luxury 4 x 4's however remains to be seen. For those who are looking for a greener luxury 4 x 4 though, the Touareg BlueMotion may ease their conscience ever so slightly.
The SUV that everyone loves is the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. This off road mid size utility vehicle offers seating for 5 with the back seats being heated. The interior is very luxurious and gives you a sun roof, steering wheel heating, and many other features. There is a 6 speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate and it includes a multi point fuel injection system. Some upgrades that were given to the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg include the changing of the navigation system from CDs to DVDs and adding a rearview camera. The V10 was reintroduced giving consumers more power with a torque that is more than any other SUV with 553 pound feet of torque at 2000 rpm. The V10 also comes with standard Xenon headlamps. This is a reliable ride that will be perfect for off road and on road driving with great suspension, good breaks and excellent acceleration.
On 3 July, all eyes will be on the Auto Express New Car Awards 2018, as we reveal the models that should be on any buyer’s radar. The awards celebrate the best new cars on sale, from city cars to performance models, petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric alike. They’re voted for by the expert reviewers at Auto Express, and every single model is analysed according to specific criteria, with only the very best cars making the winners’ list. So which cars are in the running for a New Car Awards category win? This year, we’ve announced our shortlist for all the main categories to whet your appetite for the most coveted awards in motoring. The categories cover the complete automotive spectrum and making the six-car shortlist for one of the 23 awards that have one is an achievement in itself. Last year’s winner, the Volkswagen up! With the funky Suzuki Ignis and cheaper Skoda Citigo both hot its heels, the judges will be looking for innovative features and excellent packaging to help decide on a winner. 2017 winner: Volkswagen up! The supermini sector is a fiercely competitive one as topping this class is a passport to big sales.
The Ford Fiesta has been on top of the best-selling cars charts in the UK for as long as most people care to remember but can it be beaten here? Refinement, technology and running costs will all be key in deciding a winner. In 2017, the Mercedes C-Class cabriolet took home to the title of best convertible, but this year it is nowhere to be seen. Build quality and driving dynamics are key in this market, but equally so, refinement and comfort are major factors that will be considered. All the cars on this list are household names, and all are commonplace on UK roads. Previous compact family car winners include the Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra - both of which are in with a shout of winning this year. The new kid on the block, the Kia Stinger, will be hoping to topple the best Europe has to offer in the compact executive car class.
